[Beks]

Hi all

I am hoping for as bit of advice to get myself up and growing this season. I have a plot in Windsor, Berkshire and have done for the past 2 years. I usually have a hand from my Dad but he is otherwise engaged on a building project at present so I am 'growing' solo this season. Basically the plot has been left since the end of last season so I just need a bit of advice as to where I need to start.
Do I need to cover it with polythene for a few weeks or can I just weed and rotorvate?
That is my first question.............I have many more

Any help/advice gladly appreciated

Beks

[flitwickone]

i would weed dig and plant a litle bit by bit as many have said its not a race
so get some tatties etc on the go and take it easy

[HugglescoteGrower]

If the plot is weedy, I would be sceptical about rotovating it now, especially if they are perennial weeds. You could end up just spreading the weed roots around and give yourself a bigger problem to deal with. Weeding means removing the roots and you would have to turn the soild over to do that, so in effect it means digging it all.

Certainly cover what you can, and keep it covered whilst not in use. Think of sowing brassicas, peas and beans in cells and planting them on when they have developed half a dozen leaves or so, that will give them a head start over any residual weeds. take extra care digging and weeding the areas you intend to sow direct, such as carrots, parsnips beetroot etc.

Keep a hoe handy for the annual weeds and slice them off regularly. Perennials need pulling out, with as much of the root as possible, the best way to do that is with a small hand fork. Little and often is the best ploy.